Community Dispute Resolution Center
of Missoula County

Often, when people hear the word mediator, they picture a courtroom alternative—a neutral third party helping two sides find common ground. And that’s true. But being a mediator is more than a role—it’s a mindset, a skill set, and often, a calling.​ To be a mediator is to believe that conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. It’s to understand that tension usually means there’s something important beneath the surface—something worth listening to. Mediators step into that tension with calm curiosity. We don’t fix people or force solutions. We listen. We reflect. We ask questions that help others see what’s possible. ​ It also means cultivating certain soft skills: emotional awareness, patience, cultural humility, and the ability to stay present even when things get hard. These aren’t just tools for formal mediations—they’re skills that help in everyday life, from parenting and partnerships to leadership and community service.​  At its best, mediation bridges gaps—between people, between systems, and between the justice we hope for and the reality we live in. And while formal mediation is a practice grounded in training and ethics, the spirit of it is something we all can carry: the choice to listen, to stay curious, and to create space for resolution. Being a mediator isn’t just about sitting at a table between two sides. Sometimes, it’s about being the person in the room who believes that understanding is still possible.